Australia on Pace to Surpass Record Indigenous Deaths in Custody in 2026

At least seven First Nations people have died in custody across Australia in the first seven months of 2026, advocates warn, pacing ahead of 2025's record toll. That year saw 113 deaths nationally since 1980—the highest on record. NSW alone recorded 12 Indigenous deaths in 2025. Three more deaths in July 2026 intensify pressure on corrections oversight.